September 28, 1981 marks the eighth World Tourism Day. The United Nations characterized international tourism as "A passport to peace", and also as "An industry recommendable for all countries". In 1973 the U.N. created "The World Tourism Day", and asked for friendly cooperation by all countries in the promotion of world tourism.

Every World Tourism Day since 1975, the Ministry of Communications has issued two commemorative stamps depicting two well-known scenic sites, in an attempt to direct the attention of people, both at home and abroad, to our country's places to visit. The following two stamps, depicting Seoul Tower and Ulreung Island respectively, have been designated for this year:1. Seoul Tower.
Completed on September 30, 1975 after six years of construction, Seoul Tower stands at the top of Mt. Namsan in the center if Seoul, rising 479.7 ft. above sea level. The tower is fitted with transmission facilities for various communications networks. The observatory of the tower commands a full view of the City of Seoul, and when the sky is clear the port of Inchon comes into view. It is especially meaningful that Korea's major communications tower stands where in the olden days torches were lighted as a means of communication. Mt. Namsan is also the basic datum point of Korea.

2. Ulreung Island.
Located in the East Sea. 268km from Pohang, this island with an area of 72sq. km., is composed of rocky mountains. The distance around the island is 44.2km. Ulreung Island, which was originally an independent island called "Usanguk", was conquered by the Old Shilla Kingdom and thus became part of its territory in 512. Today is belongs to Kyonbuk Province. From the center of the island rises a 984 ft. high rock peak dominating the island. There are many rough, but fantastic rocks rising almost vertically into the sky, thus providing breathtaking beauty. The island is also surrounded by beautiful islets such as Jukdo and Gwaneumdo. Most of the inhabitants are engaged in fishery and agriculture. and their main products are potatoes, maize, beef and cuttle fish.